Shreveport Residents Fight Back Against Proposed Red River Expressway
Shreveport City Councilman Grayson Boucher says any Red River Expressway deal must protect neighborhoods, obey strict limits, and return to the Council for final approval. That message landed as Twelve Oaks and Esplanade residents pressed leaders to pause the project over safety, noise, and property value concerns.
Boucher Lays Out What Must be in the Deal for Shreveport
Boucher outlined non-negotiables for the proposed connector tying south Shreveport to south Bossier: “a two-lane roadway, 35-mph speed, no jake brakes, no hazardous materials, and sound protections such as berms or other screening”
He emphasized the city’s role is limited to a small right-of-way near the 3132 terminus, with parish bodies holding most decisions, and that any right-of-way access would return to the Council for a vote. “This is not an elevated interstate type highway,” he said, adding the goal is access to the Port without city funds.
Shreveport Residents: “It’s only 200 feet from our backyards”
Residents filled the council-chamber to argue that the route sits too close to homes, parks, and a bayou corridor used by families. “We had no idea that this proposed four-lane highway [would be] just 200 feet away from our backyard,” said Jonathan Graham, urging officials to visit Milbank Park before approving surveys or access.
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Another homeowner, Curtis Ramey, warned that Shreveport is already down over 100 officers, and that makes enforcement promises hollow: “No one’s going to be there to enforce the speed limit. Truck drivers do what truck drivers do.” He predicted falling property values if the road hugs the subdivision line.
Questions about Cost, Shreveport Permits, and Who Owns What
Engineer David Hackney questioned financial assumptions, noting comparable bridges have run far higher than early figures discussed publicly. He also flagged language indicating the city could end up owning the asset and leasing it back, urging a delay until details are pinned down. “The devil is in the details,” Hackney said.
Homeowners also asked that any city-controlled right-of-way push the alignment west to increase separation, preserve vegetation, and force slower speeds through tighter curves. “I’m not opposed to progress,” said resident Al Compton, “however, if the quality of life and property values are significantly decreased, I may just live with the single exit.”
The Road Ahead for Shreveport
Boucher said appraisals, surveys, and Army Corps reviews still stand between concept and construction. He reiterated that any easement would include the limits he described and would come back to the Council for approval.